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Ideas for 10 days in Asia

Hi,
My husband and I are thinking of taking a 10 trip to somewhere in Asia from NZ over Easter (2014). We are in our 20s, have travelled in Asia before and would prefer to travel somewhere we haven’t been before, which takes out Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. We have been considering Taiwan and Hong Kong, but are very open to other suggestions. We have also thought about the Philippines, but have heard that Easter is not a very good time to visit there due to crowds and inflated prices. We definitely want an ‘experience’ rather than just going to lie on a beach somewhere, but are happy to consider a wide range of holiday types. I do enjoy my basic comforts though! We are also looking for somewhere on the cheaper side, which will probably exclude Japan. It needs to be somewhere easily accessible from New Zealand, so nowhere too remote where just getting there will eat up half the holiday, but we’re happy to travel once or twice once we get there, as long as the trips are short.
Look forward to hearing some suggestions!

Thanks for the replies, as much as we loved Vietnam the first time we went there, we are keen to go somewhere different this time. I do like the idea of Burma, any further suggestions for there? What would you cover in a 10 day trip there? Maybe it would be best to go there along with another short trip, say 5 days in each.

Unfortunately South Africa is a little far away for us for such a short trip, however I would LOVE to go there... maybe one day.

How about Laos? It is relatively easily reached BangkokNo need to stay in BKK as there are lots of connecting flights to Luang Prabang. Once there, I would spend 2 or 3days in LP itself. A quaint, picturesque town, with lots to see in terms of temple etc., monks parading along the streets at dawn. Not as sleepy and unsploilt as it once was but definitely worth . If you are feeling adventurous, head up to the far north around Muang Sing, Phongsali etc. for some great hiking, scenery and some very hospitable minority peoples villages. It con be done by yourself but with just 10 days, probably best to engage a guide/ driver.

Alternatively, you could head south towards the Cambodian border area around Si Phan Do (4000 islands) in the Mekong . Also in the area worth a visit is the Bolavens plateau particularly around Tad Lo. To get there you would need another flight to Pakse or maybe Vientienne

Travel in these areas is a little challenging but not too much so and is well worth the effort. Lot of very nice, relatively inexpensive places to stay although Luang Prabang can be expensive in high season ( but you will be able to find somewhere reasonable there if you book in advance )

Bali offers a lot of what you're looking for at a range of prices: nature, culture plus creature comforts. In ten days you can have a variety of experiences; spend some time at the beach for sun, sand and resort pampering and some time inland for arts, culture and magnificent natural beauty.

Burma is a fine idea, but it will be very hot, indeed, at that time of the year. You would need a full 10 days for an introductory trip to Burma: Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake. I have two trip reports here, just click on my name if this sounds interesting to you. The 2009 report covers the three places I recommend for a first trip.

I'm not sure where you have been in Malaysia, but you might consider Malaysian Borneo.

Bali is a great idea for that time of the year. With 10 days, I'd take a few days for a side trip to central Java to visit Borobudur and Prambanan.

Though it is hot a combination of Bangkok for 5 days, you can get very nice lodging for $150-$175 with full breakfasts/tax and 5 days in Bali, you can find lovely weather and upscale 4 star hotels for $150 tops and a guide for 2-3 days at ~$60/day.I am not sure of the airfares Bangkok but in S.E. Asia, Air Asia is very reasonable. You would have tropical sights with exquisite rice terraces with your guide in Bali and some Hindu culture and temples and then Bangkok a good deal of historic culture, inexpensive dining opions and if interested some inexpensive shopping especially at the weekend market if you are there Sat. or Sunday.Quite a nice trip. Start saving and it will be easily affordable vs. elsewhere in Asia.

Korea is a first world country where many people still live traditionally and simply on very little money. Busan is a beautiful port city with mountains going down to the sea. First world comforts, but really cheap accomodations, food, traditional markets. Very exotic, yet clean water, safe food, and many tourist sitess, including the ruins of a huge fortress, a temple in the face of a cliff (if you like hiking), a seaside temple, colorful neighborhoods, villages. Easy excursions from there.